The Narrow Way

The Epistle of 1 John speaks profoundly to the assurance and boldness that come from dwelling in love and in Christ.

In 1 John 4:17, we find a profound statement about how love is made complete among us so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment.

This scripture is not just a theological assertion but a personal declaration over how we can confidently live our lives today.

1 John 4 is rich with the theme of God’s love. It underscores the importance of loving one another as a reflection of God’s love.

As John expounds on God’s perfect love, he brings us to the realization of our position in Christ—a position that allows us to stand with assurance in this world.

1 John 4:17:

“In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

This verse reassures us that in love, there is no room for fear, and as believers, we can live with the confidence that Jesus Himself embodied.

Application to Our Daily Lives:

1. Understanding Our Identity in Christ: To live out 1 John 4:17, we must first grasp our new identity in Christ. Recognizing that we are made like Jesus in this world is central to our confidence. We are not defined by our past failures or future uncertainties but by our present reality in Him.

2. Cultivating Perfect Love: Perfect love is not something we produce on our own; it’s developed in relationship with God. Cultivating a life steeped in God’s love involves regular communion with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word.

3. Eliminating Fear Through Love: As perfect love casts out fear, we apply this scripture by allowing God’s love to address the fears that haunt us—fears of inadequacy, the future, or judgment. In the light of His love, these shadows dissipate.

4. Embracing Confidence as God’s Children: The confidence we have is not rooted in arrogance but in our status as God’s children. We embrace this confidence by living boldly for Christ, knowing that we are fully accepted and loved by God.

5. Reflecting Jesus in Our Daily Walk: Being like Jesus in this world means reflecting His love and truth in our interactions and decisions. Our daily walk should mirror the compassion, humility, and righteousness that were evident in Christ’s life.

6. Offering Reassurance to Others: Our confidence in God’s love enables us to reassure others. We can share the message of God’s perfect love with those who are struggling with fear, inviting them into the same confidence we have found.

7. Standing Firm in the Face of Judgment: Finally, this verse calls us to stand firm with confidence in the face of judgment. This is not about presumption but about a well-grounded assurance that comes from our identity in Christ and His work on the cross.

1 John 4:17 is our call to live confidently in the knowledge of who we are in Christ. By understanding our identity, cultivating perfect love, eliminating fear, embracing our confidence as God’s children, reflecting Jesus in our daily walk, offering reassurance to others, and standing firm in the face of judgment, we can apply the deep truths of this scripture to our lives.

May we step out each day with the boldness that comes from being like Jesus in this world, fully loved and free from fear, as we demonstrate the reality of God’s perfect love.